Princeton in Asia (PiA) Fellowships 2026

If you’re a recent graduate or early-career professional seeking a life-changing, immersive experience in Asia, the Princeton in Asia (PiA) Fellowships 2026–27 are now open!

PiA offers transformative work fellowships in host organizations across Asia to foster cross-cultural understanding and impactful contributions. The 2026–27 cycle is expected to offer around 60 positions across 16 countries, with placements in fields ranging from public health to STEM, arts, and economic development. Applications are due by November 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Host Organization: PiA places Fellows in diverse Asian host organizations (NGOs, schools, enterprises, media, governments).

• Countries/Regions: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

• Duration: Typically one or two years, with fellowship start between July and September

• Fields of Work:

  • Arts & Culture

  • Economic Development

  • Education

  • Environmental Sustainability

  • Peace, Justice, Access to Information

  • Public Health

  • Sports

  • STEM

• Number of Fellowships: Approximately 60

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's acceptable, but Ph.D./M.D./J.D. are not eligible

  • Graduates of any university and any nationality may apply

  • All positions require professional proficiency in English; native-level required for teaching roles

  • No age limit; suitable for college seniors to early professionals

• Application Deadline: November 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT

🎁 Benefits

• Paid Immersive Work Opportunity: Fellows are employees of host organizations, receiving a stipend intended to cover housing, food, telecommunications, and local transport

• Pre-departure Orientation & Training: Includes virtual orientation and, for teaching Fellows, a 120-hour online TEFL course

• Health & Safety Support: Travel medical and emergency evacuation insurance, International SOS membership, mental health assistance, visa guidance, and risk training

• Visa Expense Support: US-based visa application costs reimbursed

• Alumni Network Access: Connection to PiA’s alumni and mentorship network

• Language Grants: Available by application for host country language study

• Country Advisors: Local advisors assist with cultural acclimatization

• Financial Considerations:

  • Fellows cover their own airfare and pre-departure vaccinations

  • PiA offers travel grants to mitigate financial barriers

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree before starting their fellowship

• Can be recent graduates or early professionals (non-terminal degrees only)

• Present a strong motivation for promoting U.S.–Asia exchange in line with PiA’s mission

• Have professional-level English; native-level required for teaching roles

• Be flexible and open to immersion and cultural transformation

📝 Application Procedure

Your application should include:

• Online Application Form with:

  • Two written response essays

  • One 60-second video

  • Resume (emphasizing cross-cultural or relevant experience)

  • Unofficial academic transcript

  • Anonymous demographic survey

  • Recommendation form (submitted by recommender)

📆 Deadline: Submit all materials by November 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT

⏳ Timeline

• Application Opens: ~late August 2025

• Deadline: November 1, 2025

• Interviews: Likely held in late fall to early winter

• Placement Decisions: Announced in early spring

• Fellowship Begins: Between July and September 2026

💡 Why Choose PiA?

• Transformative Cultural Immersion: PiA emphasizes long-term engagement, cultural immersion, and mutual understanding

• Supportive Network: Ongoing guidance from PiA staff, Country Advisors, and alumni

• Competitive: Acceptance rate around 10%; valued for service orientation, adaptability, and humility

🚀 Final Tips for a Strong Application

1. Tell a Compelling Story: Demonstrate your eagerness for cross-cultural exchange, adaptability, and long-term impact.

2. Craft Thoughtful Essays & Video: Reflect deeply on your motivations, values, and readiness to live and work in Asia.

3. Highlight Experience: Showcase any relevant cultural, educational, leadership, or service experiences.

4. Seek Strong Recommenders: Choose individuals who understand your goals and can speak to your fit for an immersive role abroad.

5. Prepare for Interviews: Plan to discuss how PiA aligns with your professional and personal growth.

6. Be Flexible: Show openness to a range of countries and roles to increase your placement odds.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Link

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